Update: I am no longer hosting this workshop.
As many of you might know, I am hosting a marketing strategy workshop. In a recent post, a lot of discussion was created in regards to the state of the industry…Well, we’ve decided to try to do something about it.
Confirmed through the comments and the photographers I am working with, the landscape of this industry is changing. I could be wrong, but I see the most traction in two areas:
- newer photographers – because of a lack of experience
- veteran photographers – lost clarity through the years
The result is unanimous – a tactical slaughter of each other through slashing of prices, which will lead to an eventual degradation of the industry. All while the middle tier is being risk averse.
This isn’t the case for everyone though. Those who have clarity in their businesses are flourishing!
A simple test is to ask yourself, “Why you?”
My observation is that the universal answer will be “to be unique.” My question for you is, “how?”
- What if I were to say that I am willing to put my money where my mouth is?
- What if I were to take on this challenge and try to teach these seemingly esoteric strategies and apply it to photography?
- Who would be interested?
We are planning to host two complimentary seminars on August 4th and August 5th respectively.
- 0-3 years – learn how to distinctively set yourself apart and uniquely market yourself
- 3+ years – turbo charge your existing business and find clarity again
Want to get one of these free seminar seats? Instructions:
- Identify whether you’re interested in the first class or second class
- Comment below why you think you are a good candidate
Sincerely,
Lawrence Chan
P.S. Remember that marketing is sociology. And as culture and tastes evolve, so does marketing, but the universal laws stay constant (as long as we continue being human).
No related posts.
Hi Lawrence,
I think Sarah and I would be good candidates to attend your second class. We’ve been shooting for a little over 4 years now, the first 3 of which were part time (I had a full time job). A little over a year ago I felt called to quit my job and pursue photography with Sarah full time. With 2 toddlers, and not much of a lead generation “machine” it was a little nerve racking at first, but we’re finally “coming into our own” so to speak. We’re currently building our new website and want to build a solid foundation for a good business as well. I would love to hear your thoughts on “turbo charging” things and finding clarity. Thanks for offering this seminar.
-Derek & Sarah Frenzel
Hello Lawrence! I am interested in taking the first class. By weekday I work full time as an ophthalmic photographer, by weekend I am a wedding photographer. Last year, my first year really shooting weddings on my own, I booked 4. This year I have 5 weddings lined up. I am hoping to be able to ramp up my wedding photography business so that I can support myself and possibly quit my weekday job. I am very interested in trying to get more business but am not sure where to start. I think your seminar would really get me going in the right direction.
Thanks, Elaine
Hello!
I’m so happy that you are offering these classes. I would like to sign up for class #1. I look forward to hearing all you wonderful wisdom!
I would love to take part in the class #1. I just started my business this year and am constantly thinking and working towards finding my uniqueness. Trying to set myself apart from fellow photographers and get my business out there in a creative way attracting many many clients can be very stressful, confusing and overwhelming, especially for a new business who is also working on perfecting shooting skills, editing and uh, album design. Basically everything that goes along with starting a photography. All of this can cause a person to “not see the wood for the trees”. Sometimes it takes the insight of an outsider, not personally or emotionally invested in your business to guide you towards the obvious.
I look forward to hearing more about these seminars.
Thanks for the olive branch.
Karen
YES PLEASE! PENCIL ME IN! I would like to benefit from your inspiration at the BEGINNING of my photographic career. I am a psychologist that is newly inspired by photography and benefiting from technical inspiration from the likes of Bob and Dawn Davis. I would like to complement this with branding and marketing expertise so that I can get it right from the get-go. Teach me, master! August 4th is in my calendar AND on my vision board!
I think you should pick Kent…his comment is great!
….and me too…I’m about to quit my job, and jump in with both feet.
Sesh#1 if you will…
I would love to participate in your first class. I am a newbie to the industry and with very very little (to no) connections in the industry I would love to learn from this seminar. I find myself leaning more and more towards ‘generic’ shots (because of where my business is currently targeted) and I want to keep my uniqueness as a photographer, not all that easy when I just cannot decide what and where my prices, branding etc. should be to attract the cliental that would help me flourish and thrive as an artist …. I just feel that my inexperience does lead me to make hasty and not so good decisions and I would just love a general boost in my knowledge especially from someone such as yourself …. to help my business stay unique, stay me and everyones happy! Thank-you for the opportunity
I’m a bit of a tweener actually. I studied fine art photography in college and started shooting weddings many years ago as an assistant to a photographer shooting medium format film. Over a decade passed while I worked as a graphic designer and then last year I found myself unemployed. After seeking out what my loves are I decided to go back into photography. The digital age has really changed as well as the styles and I find myself feeling like a newbie and would love to learn more about the biz, how it’s changed and how I can start up my business effectively in this new era. I would LOVE the opportunity to learn more about starting up my business and about how to market it, especially in this new era of marketing. Thank you!
DUDE! I totally need class #1! First, I have only done one wedding (I mainly do children and newborns right now) but I am dying to get into it and BLOW THIS AREA OUT OF THE WATER! I don’t want to do anything that’s been done. I want to stand out, and I want to be the best. My problem is well, I don’t know anything about business. I have no connections to the industry, and I would love to learn everything I can. I would LOVE to take this class
What an awesome opportunity! I would be a great candidate for the first class for several reasons!
I just quit my teaching job to pursue a greater love: photography. However, I will not love photography if I am not SUCCESSFUL!
I am overwhelmed with all of the decisions and to dos and should dos and need some solid direction so that my business will be SUCCESSFUL!
My vision is to have a SUCCESSFUL business incorporating viable ideas, strategies and practices from the beginning, not when I realize that something needs to change!
Thanks for your consideration!
Yes, yes, YES PLEASE!!!!I would totally be interested in the 2nd one!
I’ve been shooting weddings for about 5 years. I feel like the last time I rebranded I felt pretty clear about who I am and what I was doing. But now…. I feel like I’ve lost direction. Where am I going? What is my goal really? Sometimes I feel like I’m just going from one job to the next with no real purpose or vision. I would LOVE to hear what you guys have to say!
Thanks!
Jen
Hi Lawrence!
OMG!!! I would LOVE to get a seat to the first workshop (for photogs who have been in business 0-3 years). I am currently in the middle of my first year of business, and though my business is going well, I really would love to rev it up even more! I feel the skills & knowledge I lack is definitely in the marketing area. I totally understand that I am unique and being myself is the only way to set myself apart in this industry– but sometimes I still feel stuck, like what I am doing is what everyone else is doing. I definitely could use some pointers & inspiration on how to not only market the unique photographer/human that I am but how to do so in a unique way! it seems like this workshop would really help with that!! I also feel too that it is hard to break from the lower level price range that I am in because I haven’t figured out how to really market myself in a way to command a higher rate. I hate to undercut the industry, but its so hard to be a “newbie” (though a newbie with a good portfolio/experience/clear skill) and book at even a mid-level price range. I know if I could just set myself apart more distinctly (via a new marketing strategy), I could really rise to the level I want to be at.
I am super determined, hard working and goal oriented. Lawrence, I have listened to you speak several times (sd photog shootout, la smugmug, wppi booth…oh and I have your dvds too) and have always walked away with something new that has indeed helped my business. So getting to attend this special event would be an MAJOR honor, and I also know for 100% certain it would really really help me in my business!!!!
Thanks so much for considering me for this opportunity!!!!
xoxo
Ashleigh
ps- It would also be rad to learn from Jeff as well!!! I admire him a lot too!!!!
I’d love to sit in on class #1- Sometimes I feel lost in a sea of photographers. I want to stand out- I want my clients to value my work. I want them to value me. I’d love to sit and soak up what your combined years of experience have to say. Thanks
Boy, this workshop couldn’t have come at a better time! I just launched my website for my photography business this week. That newness, the flutter in your stomach feeling is fresh! I have had no professional training whatsoever on running a business and am doing as much research as possible on my own. From the sounds of it, this workshop would definitely be something I could benefit from. It’d give me the confidence and knowledge I need to make my photography business successful! I would be so thrilled to have this opportunity! Thank you! Jeni
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be a part of the second one. I’ve been shooting for 4 years and need some inpiration to jump start my business. Please include me! Thank you!
Man….How great the second class would be! I’ve been doing photography for about 5 years now. Some years are better then others. I have never felt that my business is complete, that I’m a legitimate business, or worthy of calling myself a “professional!” I know I can be great, I just need a little shove in the right direction
Cheers
Danny
Hello
I’m an ideal candidate for the first class – 0-3 years .
I’ve been shooting people and weddings for less than an year , I’m just starting out . I’m trying to bring the maximum out of each job now , but I feel I’m lacking marketing skills . A workshop like that would definitely help me establish my brand and bring success to my business , it’s always good to learn something first hand from someone who’s been there and done that .
Thanks !!!
I would love the second class – I’ve been moving with great steam for over three years – but lately – my weddings are well, less frequent. It’s an aspect of my business I love and i don’t want to lose it! I could certainly use a recharge – frankly I could use help in any area I can get it!
Thanks!
Dawn
#1 Because…… I do not want to be “just another photographer in the sea” ” I do not want to degrade the profession by lower prices”
I am at the beginning of my photography business so i would give everything to Learn about what I should do that i haven’t thought about already.
I have been in business management for 30 years, I am a multi media artist
and a self taught photographer who started when i was 11 y.o with a little 35mm and some black and white film. i veered away from photography during the i got to work 100 hours a week to support my family years but have
been obsessively learning my craft for the last 3 years and building my equipment arsonal.. and i feel that i am now ready to begin the next phase of taking on clients. (scary!) But I want to do it right, but I feel like I am on shaky legs with the business side of this industry.
I need guidance in my quest for confidence!!
So, I totally fall into the 1st category in terms of my own business (0-3). After Jeff posted on Twitter the other night about business goals, it became frighteningly apparent (and utterly embarrassing) to me that for nearly three years I’ve somehow floated by without *clearly* defining what makes my business unique. Somehow sad, and at the same time it is a HUGE kick in the pants. I feel like I inherently know what the goals I want to achieve are, but I need help in drawing up the right strategy to create the best possible future for my business (and my family).
I’ve seen the approach taken with CxO Fight Club members (and have had the inspiring opportunity to learn from a couple of them) and how they’ve applied your strategies to business. With that same drive and determination I intend to build a business that saddles up alongside of them, with the clarity and focus I’d learn from you and Jeff. It would be an honor!
I definitely qualify for the first class, and while I am learning fast and have had some success and fallen in love with wedding photography, I can see I need business experience. I want to show respect to my industry and price appropriately, but there are many of us newbies who may feel unqualified to charge more. Please include me in your roster of class number one.
I’d love to go to the first one! I am still in set up mode and trying to find direction. It would be so fabulous to learn from both of you!!
I would love to have the chance to be part of the first class. As others have said on here, I’m in the first stages of setup and think that it would help me tremendously. I’ve been a follower for sometime now and have always been impressed by the advise you give.
Hi!
I am most definitely interested in either one.
I shot weddings years ago during pre-dslr days. Two years ago I decided to start
a part-time photography business. Although the means to market is more accessible today, with the growth of competition, I realize that the need to rebrand and start again with a well defined marketing strategy is imperative. I am planning to go full time and focus on this business and would love any advice and knowledge sharing from you both. Thanks for offering !
I would love to be a part of the first or the second seminar! I am just beginning my 3rd year, so I feel like I am still new enough, especially as a business owner to take a lot away from the one geared at beginning photographers, but at the same time have existed long enough that I feel I could follow all the concepts for existing studios and implement them into my current practices. I would really love to be one of the selected photographers for this, just speaking to Lawrence at WPPI for a few moments, it is so apparent that he is a wealth of knowledge and understanding for the industry and marketing, and by joining forces with Jeff, I think that is an incredibly dynamic duo that would be invaluable to any studio! Please please please pick me
Oh my gosh, the first one would be perfect for me! I just started 2nd shooting this year and my technique is great but I have no clue how to market myself when I decide to go out on my own. Help!!
I think I would be a great candidate for the 1st one. I am about 3yrs in, but really working on setting up some super clear branding to really set myself apart from the competition. Thanks!
Hello Lawrence, yes, I need that kind of information. Here, in Poland, we have a lot of great Photographers, but very few, if any, have the skill to teach others in teaching and sharing the knowledge. I am at a start line of wedding photography race and starving of good roadmap with tips how to get there
I understand that good start is as important in business as warmup in sport; it gives you a chance to avoid pain and injury. Anyway thank you for your wisdom and your time with us. Greetengs from Poland.
I am so interested in the 1st class! I just started taking pictures last November cause I always knew I would love it and wanted to learn. Within a couple months I started my site as a place to put my pictures, I got so busy I decided I might as well charge a little cause I was spending so much time away from my baby and husband working on it. Now, I feel like I’ve come so far, learned so much, and although I have much more to learn, my clients know my prices and I know they are lower than they should be. I feel I have the drive, desire, and (one day) the skill to be a well known photographer and I just can’t figure out what my next step is! Should I just keep practicing, keeping things cheap and casual… will that hurt me in the long run since the changes will seem big to my clientele? How can I set myself apart and run things from here on out to be where I want to some day?
I know you and Jeff are the best people to answer these questions, to help everyone figure all this out!
Thanks for your generosity and the opportunity!
I would be interested in the first one, I have been officially in the biz for two and half years and I have 5 boys. This fall will be the first time in 15 years that all of my boys will be in school (sniff, sniff, but yeah more time to work!) I have been second shooting for the last two years while doing my own family, newborn, and child shoots. I am gearing up to shoot weddings on my own and I have really struggled with how to set myself apart from the hundreds of wedding photographers here in little ‘ol Utah.
I heard the other “don’t be a sheep, because sheep get slaughtered” (this is kinda funny because I actually grew up on a sheep farm) Back to my point, here in Utah there are a ton of “sheep” they just copy one another, use the same locations, and market the same. I really want to learn how to set my biz apart from the others…. because who wants to get slaughtered.
I am ALWAYS looking for the answer and feel like i am missing it! I specialize in High School Senior Photography, yet some of my competition is High School students themselves! I have to find better tactics at infiltrating the market! lol
I have owned my own studio for 5.5 years. I love the industry, I love my studio and my fantastic employees. It is wonderful lifestyle.
I am looking to see what is next for me. How can I make more doing what I love. What do I need to focus on to make this business everything I know it can be. I work 40-60 hour work weeks, in addition to having two full time employees and several part-timers. Still I feel like there are never enough hours in a day to do all the promoting, social networking, branding, website updates, etc… that need to be done. Where is the balance? I need help.
Some real answers would be great, even if we have to figure them out together. Thanks!
Melissa
I would LOVE to be a part of the first class. I’ve been in business for just under two years. I’ve discovered my “style”, I’ve gifted my talents to worthy organizations, I’ve practiced/researched/honed my technicals, I’m not “slashing” my pricing to take business away from established photographers, I’m friendly
, my workflow is sleek & streamlined and I always do my best to overdeliver on all my promises, I have an active online presence, and yet … and YET I still have not an established and growing client base. Oh!, and my pictures are pretty wonderful 
. I’m feeling like I’ve tried all I know, and I’m not sure what my next step should be … I would be so appreciative of the opportunity to learn from your industry observations and strategies.
I would love to be part of the first group. I am a new photographer in the Vancouver area and marketing myself is what I desperately need to do better.
I would love to attend class # 1. I have been an assistant wedding photographer for a year, and just went into business for myself a few months ago. I would benefit from a class like #1, and I have so much to learn!!
Hi,
I thought I replied, but don’t see it so I am replying again.
I have been a wedding videographer for 30 years. I have seen the industry change a number of times. I actually retired in 1995 to do strictly broadcast work then reentered the wedding market in 2006 and brought cinematic wedding videos to the market and became an overnight hit with producing 300+ video per year in a very short time.
Now the cinematic video is all too common, perhaps I posted so many on my site that other peers watching them started to up thier game, perhaps it was just time for others to start offering a higher end product, not sure, but all I know is that cinematic is old news now.
I have been a pioneer in the DSLR wedding films since Canon came out with the 5D Mark II, and have made a lot of strides using these cameras and trying to re-invent myself.
My biggest problem is trying to leave what has made us money and kept our crews busy and enter into a world that is different then what the family wants.
After a lot of research, I find the brides are more focused on the short fusion style video that is very energetic and full of epic shots, steadicams rails, sliders, etc. but at the same time, the parents expect the long version video in the end.
Lawrence has taught me there is a market for being unique, and so far we are advertising on wedding portals that list vendors, yet yeild mostly budgeted brides, yet is consistent. Lawrence has opened my eyes to social networking and SEO as a sole source of work instead of paying paid sites to get listed and get leads.
This might mean few jobs, yet at premium rates, it might mean that I have to forget about booking a number of jobs per weekend, but in the end it seems that a few good quality weddings instead of killing myself with hundreds of budgeted videos (with our share of higher end sales) is the way to go.
Economic slump might not mean lowering prices and giving away the farm to get jobs, it might just be a matter of re-inventing ourself to a higher end look to brides looking for something more meaningful.
I don’t have a grasp on the social marketing. I understand it, but I feel I might have to wait a while for my business to bloom gearing ourself to the select few instead of the masses, but I feel that now is the time for change.
I would be gracious to attend the 2nd class to find out more about offering something unique, getting rid of our multiple packages, and honing in on a specialty style andd move our company forward to a new level.
Lawrence has proven niche markets pay off, and its tough for me to make this kind of decision, but we are ready and welcome change and are risk takers.
Hopefully we will make the right decision, but we feel that Lawrences plan is vital to follow and we need his outlook and opinions on how to get there and look towards the future.
We would be honored to have a seat at either one of the class, sincee I never think of myself as someone that knows it all and might have to start over from scratch, so either or both would be a welcome and much needed eye opener.
Sincerely
Gary Freedline
CEO
Video Keepsakes of Beverly Hills
Hi, Lawrence,
It intrigues me, for sure though I’m in the other part of Atlantic so hardly could attend the seminar though I’m about to answer these questions loudly to myself as well – it makes more clear the unknown.
So, I’m interested in the #1 class and think I’m a good candidate for the seminar ‘cos I’m seeking knowledge in everything what’s new and/or tested in photography and business however still I lack some self-confidence and action. To tell the truth, finally I told my colleagues at work I’m in the photography business and already got three family and senior photo sessions. Quite excited about it but there are more waters waiting for me and I’m in a big need for a good coach or captain at least in the beginning.
Sincerely,
Fortunatas Dirgincius
Kaunas, Lithuania
I have been in business for 3 years and am interested in your 1st seminar. Thank you very much!
Hey Lawrence!
BIG Chipotle & Tofu fan too! Read tofurious religiously….
I have been full time for about a year now and would sooo love to go to your 1st seminar!! My business is growing pretty rapidly, but I want to make sure I am doing things right and being smart about decisions I am making… running a business is hard work!
Thanks so much for this generous offer- the industry soooo needs more people like you & Jeff spreading this great and much needed info around!
Much Love,
Tracy
I definitely think the first group would be pretty beneficial for me.
I’m in Tampa, so I’m on the other coast, but I started my photography business less than a year ago. I think I’m heading in a good direction, but I’m kinda stuck in between charging way too little and charging what I think is fair and not detrimental to the wedding photography business as a whole. Too often I see photographers charging pennies for wedding photography, I don’t want to be that photographer. Bottom line… I need marketing help!
Matt
Hi Lawrence,
Sadly I live in Australia… why is that sad ? Because I never get to come to any of your seminars or those of your great colleagues… It’s a great place to live though so it’s not worth moving to the states just for some great advice
We need people like yourselves in Australia as I find most people here are very insular with their information and there is not a lot of sharing going on outside of a few tight circles.
Would love to be part of any Australian branch that you guys could open. Hint hint… partnership
All the best,
Michael.
I would LOVE to attend the first class. This is my first year and at times I feel like I am running in a million different directions. I am ready for additional clarity and a true marketing plan. I am ready to move forward and realize my potiental. I met you when you came to talk in Denver and you SO INSPIRED me. I would love to hear more from you.
-Laura
howdy from texas! 2nd session, 2nd session!! my hubby and i have been in the photo/video biz for 10 years now and are in the process of reinventing ourselves. we are in need of some much needed ‘BUSINESS CLARITY’ and watching your videos nearly made me cry with relief that there is a solution to the ‘slump’ we are currently experiencing. we are ready to get down and dirty with the nitty gritty on how to rev up and shape up our business…with four kids, 2 dogs, a mortgage and car payment, the last thing on our to do list is getting a degree in marketing as well as learning the ins and outs of all the new social mediums and the technology that comes with them…we are ready for CLARITY! I have a free plane ticket that I have been waiting to use…i am hoping, hoping, hoping that is it taking me to you
Much LOVE!!!
Angela
I am totally new to this industry so I fall into the first group. That is the topic that would definitely benefit me without a doubt. I would love to jump fully into this industry, but I am and have been a sahm homeschooling mom for 11 years and my business, social networking skills are somewhat rusty. I could use help and advice in manuevering my entry into this business correctly so that I would have staying power. I am entering somewhat late in life and would love to merge my passion for photography, my creativity and my life more seemlessly.
I am SOOOOO interested. I am a Colorado based Wedding Photographer and have been working on building a business for about 2 years now. I want the first class. Please, please please. I have a dream and a vision for brides that I believe could be life-changing, but I don’t know how to market it effectively. I believe that this idea will set me apart from the rest! I feel like I have an amazing idea, but due to lack of resources and ideas, I don’t always clearly represent what it is that I desire to do. I need this seminar!
YES PLEASE!!!! I would LOVE to attend the 2nd class to find a unique style/brand & niche market for my business. I’ve been shooting weddings for about 6 years and even though I recently rebranded, I still feel like I need clear direction, goal setting, vision, SEO. I get so caught up in the daily life of running a business, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees. I NEED to get back to basics, to working on my business! I would LOVE to hear your input & learn from you!!
THANKS!
Can’t believe you’re doing this! I definitely need the first one! I’m in the first year of my business (been a “photographer” for over 10 years though) but since I studied Political Science and African Studies in school, I have NO IDEA about business, marketing, branding, or advertising strategies!! My true passion is photography, but I didn’t study it in school b/c my Dad told me he wouldn’t pay for my education unless I chose “a real major”. Now I know that I want/need to be a professional photographer, but I have no idea how to get there and would greatly appreciate some help!
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I would love to be included in the 2nd class. I am currently at the end of year 3, and feel like I’m at a crossroads, or transition. We are in the process of rebranding. I definitely need clarity. I feel like I have gained experience shooting and running my business, I need to get to the next level of running my business better, working smarter, being more profitable, and communicating our brand precisely. I’m always trying to answer that question, “Who are we?” and “What makes us special?” It seems like an easy enough answer, but how do we communicate that through our brand, our services, our products, the way we run the business? That’s where I get stuck. Why am I a good candidate? I am ready to make choices. Choices NOT to cut our prices but add more value to what we offer. I totally “get” that as budding professional photographers, it’s a disservice to our industry to undercut our prices and make choices that hurt us, business-wise. I’ve experienced, the hard way, how NOT to run my business. Embarking on year 4, I’m “getting it” finally…I’m ready to do what it takes to follow through on the steps it takes to meet our goals. Would love and appreciate the opportunity.
I would LOVE to be admitted to the second seminar. It was just over three years ago that I began shooting second on weddings, and I’m now in my second full-swing summer of going it alone as a business. I’ve hit a great spot for my newness in the industry, but as I raise prices I’m ready to turbo-charge everything so that I can continue to gain ground and stability in my business! Since getting into the busy season and becoming engulfed in anything and everything that I could possibly do to promote and propel myself into the mainstream, I’ve started to feel overwhelmed. Please, please help me find clarity before I burn out!